One of the more significant events in the area these past six months was Hurricane Helene, which hit the region on Friday, September 27, 2024. According to a report from the Office of Governor Roy Cooper:
“Hurricane Helene brought damage and devastation to North Carolina on an unprecedented scale. This [was] the deadliest storm in our state’s history, and sadly, at least 96 North Carolinians lost their lives. …
“The impact on our infrastructure and economy has been staggering. An initial assessment conducted by the Office of State Budget & Management suggests that the overall impact of damage from Helene is likely to exceed $53 billion…”
Not only was the hurricane destructive but its impact was felt disproportionately by the state’s residents. Those already on the wrong side of the “digital divide” felt its impact acutely—and the CDE knew that it had to take action.
Natural Disasters and the Digital Divide
Consider all the ways in which a person might need internet access during the course of a disaster like Helene’s:
- They might get up-to-the-minute reports about the storm’s course and impact.
- They might seek information about local shelters if their home or workplace becomes unsafe.
- They might need to check in with loved ones.
- They might need details and updates on recovery efforts.
- They might need to go online to apply for aid from local, state, and federal programs.
If a person lacks the devices, connectivity, or skills to do these things, it could make their experience of a disaster that much worse—and delay any help they might receive.
The CDE’s Response
Even though Helene hit the region mere days before the events of Digital Inclusion Week 2024, the CDE mobilized to help those impacted by the storm. Throughout the week, members of the CDE worked hand-in-hand with other non-profits in the area to help those affected, doing things like:
- Deploying 75 iPads preloaded with FEMA and other support resources to the High Country Council of Governments.
- Delivering another 153 devices to the Land of Sky Regional Council in Asheville.
- Assisting Eliminate the Digital Divide (E2D) with further collections of laptops for Western NC.
CDE Director Bruce Clark also made a call for organizations and state and local governments to include digital resources as part of both the preparation for, and response to, disasters. “For years, we’ve spoken about internet access being as essential as water and electricity,” writes Clark. “And now, in moments like these, it’s more than a metaphor—it’s a call to the front lines.”
We highly recommend reading the details of his proposals here:
A Call to Action: Digital Equity and Disaster Response
Building Resiliency: The Critical Need for Digital Disaster Plans
The total impact that Helene has had, and continues to have, is still being measured. But one thing is clear: Digital equity will need to be a part of disaster preparedness and response moving forward. The CDE is more than happy to do its part, and will continue to partner with organizations that also recognize the issue—and that are already working the front lines.